Bachelor of Arts in Discipleship Studies

A Bachelor of Arts in Discipleship Studies will equip you with an understanding of the Christian journey of select age groups, while offering opportunities for ministry, service and further educational exploration.

While learning about the basic principles of Christian discipleship of different age groups and walks of life, you will also study the history and philosophy of religious education and have the opportunity to study church leadership. Those experiences will also develop your ability to communicate clearly and effectively through speaking and writing about discipleship, and offer opportunities for leadership in the process of helping people in their walk with Christ.

A degree in Discipleship Studies offers you excellent training for careers in service and ministry. Our students are working as:

ministers at local churches

chaplains

missionaries

nonprofit professionals.

Among an array of other possibilities, career choices include counselor, community organizer, educator, youth pastor, and social worker.

The degree also prepares you for further studies at the graduate level. Religious Studies and Philosophy students have pursued graduate degrees at universities including Baylor, Duke, Harvard, Vanderbilt, and Wake Forest. Others have stayed at Gardner-Webb to pursue degrees offered at the University, including various concentrations in the Master of Arts in Religion, the Master of Divinity, and the Doctor of Ministry.

In addition to the University’s general education and prerequisite course requirements, Discipleship Studies majors are required to take nine hours of foundational course choices in philosophy, spiritual formation, Christian history and theology. The Discipleship Studies major also includes 21 hours of concentrated coursework with a practicum course or internship, six hours of departmental electives, and a three-hour seminar. It is also recommended that students take RELI 245 as part of a Global Heritage general studies requirement. Additional information, including descriptions of specific courses and their corresponding credit hours, is available in the Academic Catalog.

A minor in Discipleship Studies includes 15 hours of coursework, providing exploration of the history and philosophy of religious education, church leadership, and child, youth and adult discipleship. The University also offers an array of minor opportunities in other departments.